Work treating apparatus with tilting work-supporting rail



J. V. DAVIS April 10, 1956 WORK TREATING APPARATUS WITH TILTING WORK-SUPPORTING RAIL 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Dec. 4, 1952 I VENTOR. Jul/M K DAVIS,

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J. V. DAVIS April 10, 1956 WORK TREATING APPARATUS WITH TILTING WORK-SUPPORTING RAIL 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed D60. 4, 1952 llllll. I I I I I I141 fi u IN VEN TOR. JOHN 1/. DA V/S.

A TTORn/e) pfi 10, 1956 J. v. DAVIS 2,741,252

WORK TREATING APPARATUS WITH TILTING WORK-SUPPORTING RAIL Original Filed Dec. 4, 1952 4 Sheets-Sheet :5

1 1 22 J I 19 \32 E I I F I I I g I ,I-

1N VEN TOR. JaI/N v. DA v15 I BY MW 4 7' TOR IVE April 10, 1956' J. v. DAVIS 2,741,252

WORK TREATING APPARATUS WITH TILTING WORK-SUPPORTING RAIL Original Filed D66. 4, 1952 4 Sheets$heet 4 MZW United States Patent WORK TREATING APPARATUS WITH TILIING WORK-SUPPORTING RAIL John V. Davis, Detroit, Mich, assignor to The Udylite Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Continuation of abandoned application Serial No. 324,695, December 4, 1952. This application February 11, 1954, Serial No. 409,568

12 Claims. (Cl. 134-76) This application is a continuation of my abandoned co-pending application Serial No. 324,095, filed December 4, 1952, allowed October 8, 1953.

The present invention pertains to a novel work-immersing apparatus and particularly to a plating machine as herein disclosed, although not necessarily limited thereto.

The machine is of the character in which the work, suspended from hooks, is moved through a series of tanks or baths. Segments of the rail are separate and vertically movable in order to lift a piece of work from one tank to the next as already known in the prior art and disclosed in several patents issued to me.

Hollow work pieces, such as shells or pistons, should be emptied of liquid before being moved from one tank to another. This would be no problem if the pieces were normally suspended mouth downward, but this position would lead to difi'iculties in plating, and in fact it is preferred that the pieces be suspended level or mouth upward in the liquid.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a work-carrying rail with means for tilting the rail and the work carried thereby on a pivotal axis lengthwise of the rail. This movement causes the work to agitate the solution at least until the work emerges from the solution.

Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanism whereby the pieces may be initially suspended in the described desired position and subsequently tilted for emptying in the transfer operation, in a machine having vertically movable rail segments as set forth above. Another object is to provide such mechanism that operates simultaneously with or is dependent on the transfer operation.

In the accomplishment of these objects, the rail is fiat or otherwise of a character that does not permit the workcarrying hook to rotate thereon. Each vertically movable rail segment has a pivotal mounting on its support which in turn is carried by a vertically actuated chassis disclosed in the prior art referred to above. The movable rail segment is fixed to one end of a lever arm, the other end of whi h carries a roller adapted to engage a. vertical cam while the segment moves vertically. Such a cam is provided at both terminal positions of a transfer movement lengthwise of the rail. Each cam is in the path of the vertically moving roller and therefore swings the lever arm and tilts the connected rail segment about the pivotal axis of the latter. Since the work-carrying hook is non-rotatable on the rail segment, it is also tilted,

carrying with it the suspended hollow work piece which is so positioned that the tilting movement brings its mouth downward for emptying.

When the roller reaches the upper end of the cam, it is relieved of cam pressure, whereupon the rail segment returns to its normal or level position, permitting movement of the hook on the elevated rail segment. Although the assembly is again tilted while riding down the earn, the lower end of the lever is so constructed as to to pivot or tilt on permit a return to level or normal position when the work piece becomes immersed.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a machine constructed according .to the invention;

Figure 2 is a vertical cross section showing the vertically movable rail in its lower position;

Figure 3 is a similar section showing the same rail partly elevated and tilted;

Figure 4 is a detail vertical elevation at right angles to Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, and

Figure 6 is a detail plan view on the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

The apparatus includes a series of contiguous tanks 1 and a number of columns 2 at intervals along the sides or" the series for supporting accessory mechanism as will presently be shown. Horizontal frame members 2' are supported by the columns, and arms or cantilevers 3 extend from one of the bars to support fixed rail segments 4. These segments are interrupted by movable rail segments by which the work, suspended from the rail, is lifted in transferring from one tank to another.

In order to accomplish the lifting movement, a chassis 5 is guided vertically along the columns 2 or other suitable guiding structure, as already known in the art. The chassis may be actuated, for example, from a hydraulic cylinder 6 suspended from a .top frame member 7 on the columns and having therein a piston with a downwardly extending piston rod 8. A crosshead 8' on the piston rod is joined to the chassis 5 by chains or cables 9 passing over pulleys 10 mounted on the frame structure. Counterweighting devices 11 may be added. For each movable rail segment, a suitable number of rail supports 13 are suspended from the chassis 5 and are generally similar to the arms 3 but not fixed to the columns 2. Only one assembly between an arm 13 and the corresponding movable rail segment need be described, since these assemblies are merely repeated if more than one arm 13 is employed for a given movable rail segment.

Each of the opposed supports 13 carries a pillow block 14, and the two blocks are alined lengthwise of the machine. A pivot shaft 16 extends from each block 14 and is secured therein by a pin 17. Another pillow block 18 is rotatably mounted on the extending portion of each shaft 16 and extends somewhat higher than the adjacent block 14 as shown in Figure 4. The movable rail segment 19 is secured upon the two blocks 18 and is adapted to aline with the adjacent fixed segment or segments to form a continuous rail when the chassis 5 is in its lower position, as shown in Figure 1.

Work hooks 20 are slidably keyed on and suspended from the several rail segments at selected intervals as known in the art. The hooks carry the work immersed in the tanks and are moved along the rail segments by familiar means. For example, a horizontal track 21 is secured to the chassis 5 and carries a T-shaped pusher bar 22. Pushers 23 are pivotally attached to the bars 22 and engage the hooks at one side. The bars 22 are oscillated by suitable mechanism, such as that shown in my United States Patent No. 2,591,682, of April 8, 1952, whereby the hooks are moved along the rail segments.

To the lower surface of each movable rail segment 19 is secured a pivot arm 24 by suitable means such as a welded block 25. The pivot arm causes the segment 19 the alined shafts 16, as will be shown,

7 below the rail 19.

shaft 28 atthe ends of the roller. The arm 24, extends 3i). Washers 31 are mounted on the in the same direction as the supporting arms 13, leav- 7 ingthe other side clear for movement of the hook 20.

At the transfer position, where the movable rail segment 19 is to be lifted with the chassis 5, the supporting structure 2, 7 carries a vertical cam 32 having its ends 33 bent outward. On the initial shifting movement, the

. roller 29 engages the lower end 33 and then rides on the main vertical portion of the cam, causing the pivot arm 24 to swing and thereby tilt the segment 19 as shown in Figure, 3.

tank solution initially and to drain, a hollow work piece suspended from the hook, as will now be described.

To the sides of the hook 20, at the lower ends, are fastened a pair of cross bars 34 lying transversely of the tanks, with a pair of shafts 35 passed through the ends of both arms. From each end of each shaft ispivotally suspended a hanger 36, and from the lower end of each hanger is suspended a flexible connector 37 such as wire braid.

A modified U,-shaped bar frame 38 has its sides supported by the four connectors 37, as shown in Figure 5. From end to end the frame lies crosswise of the tank, with one end somewhat higher than the other. The modification of the U-shape consists in the formation of a U-bend 39 from the intermediate side that joins the outer sides of the frame. A cross bar 40 is welded between the parallel sides of the bend 39 in parallel relation to the third side 41. A bracing rod 42 is welded between the parts 40 and 41, a radial support rod 43 extends from the ends of the member 42.

The hollow work piece is here illustrated by a piston.

or shell 44 slipped over the intermediate bent portion 39 of the frame and held by the support rods that extend into internal grooves 45 in the member 44.

The normal or immersed position of the workpiece 44 is shown in Figure 2, wherein the work piece slopes downward from its open end. The described tilting action empties the work piece while being transferred from one tank, to another, inasmuch as the work piece is tilted to bring its open end downward before passing.

to the next tank.

7 The upper end 33 of the cam 32, being also directed away from the rail segment 19, relieves the roller 29 of cam pressure when disengaged by the roller 29. The arm 24 and segment 19 thereby return to their normal or untilted position, wherein the work-advancing means 21,-23 carried by the chassis is capable of advancing the hook 2.0 as known in the art or as disclosed in the aforementioned patents.

The axis of the work support38-43 lies transversely of the tank or of the. pivot shafts 16. The work piece 44 lies on the same axis so that its open end faces laterally rather than directly upward. The amplitude of oscillation oftherail 19 is relatively short and is such that the load-supporting end of the hook 20, along the member 34, lies at all times below the rail 19 as may be seen in Figures 2 and 3. There is no inversion of. the work support but rather a reversal of the inclination thereof with respect to the horizontal while remaining at all times With the work piece tilted upward toward the mouth as Figure 2, gas will collect in theupper closed corner of the p'iece during plating. The gas will flow along the top line of the work piece and out through the top of the mouth. Replacement by liquid willoccur through the lower portion of the open mouth, thereby creating a v The hook on the segment 19 tilts there. with, and the purpose of this, movement is to agitate the definite flow path rather than a random turbulence as r would be the case if the mouth were facingstraight up lengthwise thereof,'a work'carrying hook suspended from said rail and slidably keyed thereon against release from the rail in any direction transverse of the rail, loadcarrying means on said suspended hook and extending into the tank, means for oscillating said rail on said pivotal axis in a short are of such amplitude as to maintain the lower end of said hook below said rail in all positionsof the rail, and means for advancing said hook on said rail.

2. In a work-treating apparatus, a support, a horizontal rail pivotally mounted on said support ona horizontal longitudinal axis, a tank below said rail and positioned lengthwise thereof, a work-carrying hook suspended from said rail and slidably keyed thereon against release from the rail in any direction transverse of the rail,.loadcarrying means on said suspending hook and extending into the tank, an armconnected to said rail and extending transversely therefrom, means for oscillating said arm about said pivotal axis in a short are of such amplitude as to maintain the lower end of said hook below said rail in all positions of the rail, and means for advancing said hook on said rail.

3. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable segment in said rail, means for moving said segment, means rendered operative by the first means for tilting said segment as the segment is elevated and returning the segment to its original position as the segment is lowered, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail to tilt with said segment, and means for advancingsaid hook on said rail.

4. In a work-immersing apparatus, a,work rail, a

elevated and returning the segment to its original position as the segment is lowered, whereby to tilt said hook.

5. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable support, a rail segment pivotally mounted on said support on an axis lengthwise of the segment, means for moving said support, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail and non-rotatable relatively thereto, means for advancing said hook on said rail, a lever arm fastened to said segment and extending transversely thereof, a vertical cam engageable by the free end of said arm during vertical movement of said segment and constructed to tilt said arm as said segment is elevated, whereby to tilt said segment and hook.

6. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable support, a rail :segment pivotally relatively thereto, means for advancing said hook on said rail, a lever arm fastened to said segment and extend:

ing transversely thereof, a vertical cam obstructing thevertical path of the free end of said arm, the lower end of said cam being curved away from said segment, whereby to direct the free end of said arm to the main portion of the cam and thereby tilt said segment and hook.

7. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable support, a rail segment pivotally mounted on said support on an axis lengthwise of the segment, means for moving said support, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail and non-rotatable relatively thereto, means for advancing said hook on said rail, a lever arm fastened to said segment and extending transversely thereof, a vertical cam obstructing the vertical path of the free end of said arm, both ends of said cam being curved away from said segment, whereby the lower end directs the free end of said arm to the main portion of the cam and thereby tilts said segment and hook, and the upper end relieves the arm of cam pressure,

8. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable segment in said rail, means for moving said segment, means rendered operative by the first means for tilting said segment as the segment is elevated and returning the segment to its original position as the segment is lowered, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail to tilt with said segment, and means for advancing said hook on said rail, and a frame rigidly suspended from said hook, said frame having projecting portions adapted to support open-ended work pieces.

9. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable support, a rail segment pivotally mounted on said support on an axis lengthwise of the segment, means for moving said support, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail and non-rotatable relatively thereto, means for advancing said hook on said rail, a frame rigidly suspended from said hook, said frame having projecting portions adapted to support open-ended work pieces, a lever arm fastened to said segment and extending transversely thereof, means rendered operative by the first means for tilting said segment as the segment is elevated and returning the segment to 6 its original position as the segment is lowered, whereby to tilt said hook.

10. In a work-immersing apparatus, a work rail, a vertically movable support, a rail segment pivotally mounted on said support on an axis lengthwise of the segment, means for moving said support, a work-carrying hook slidably mounted on said rail and non-rotatable relatively thereto, means for advancing said hook on said rail, a frame rigidly suspended from said hook, said frame having projecting portions adapted to support open-ended work pieces, a lever arm fastened to said segment and extending transversely thereof, a vertical cam engageable by the free end of said arm during vertical movement of said segment and constructed to tilt said arm as said segment is elevated, whereby to tilt said segment and hook.

11. In a work-treating apparatus as set forth in claim 1, said load-carrying means lying transversely of said rail, whereby to support a work piece transversely of said rail, said last named means having a work-supporting axis transverse of said rail and disposed to lie respectively at opposite inclinations to the horizontal at the limits of oscillation of said rail.

12. In a Work-treating apparatus as set forth in claim 2, said load-carrying means lying transversely of said rail, whereby to support a work piece transversely of said rail, said last named means having a worksupporting axis transverse of said rail and disposed to lie respectively at opposite inclinations to the horizontal at the limits of oscillation of said rail.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 780,488 Young Jan. 17, 1905 803,043 Young Oct. 31, 1905 2,143,118 Todd Jan. 10, 1939 2,341,606 Finston Feb. 15, 1944 

